How rapidly things change
Scot Free III
Frank & Anne
Mon 24 Jun 2024 21:23
44:23.362N 42:.42.594W
By mid afternoon the winds and the seas were building. Predominantly Force 7 Near Gale. Sails reefed accordingly until we were basically hove to with just the main with 3 reefs. Gusting 34 knots, full gale, a first on this boat, so we hove-to (sails normally set opposing each other to stop the boat but our high windage up front means we didn’t need the foresail) and wheel lashed down to keep the boat pointing slightly into the wind to prevent a breaking wave swamping the boat, emergency washboards in and we went down below to bed. Surprisingly comfortable although not recommended for light sleepers.
The harbour master in Bonavista had kindly made 3 plywood washboards, which would prevent any rogue wave from flooding into the saloon (Ed. we did have some on the way out but I used them to make a flopper-stopper, [don’t ask]) The boards fitted beautifully, after a little sanding! Another skill set added to A’s CV. Only making 1-2 knots, which is the safe speed in this situation, surprisingly comfortable. In the morning we crept out to find the only casualty was our life ring which Neptune nabbed. Thankfully it didn’t have our boat name on it which could have given rise to a few (canoe man) rumours.
Such an ocean desert here. No ships, alarm set in case any did appear, tried to sleep. Washing machine sprung to mind.
Tuesday
Woke up very warm, 22 degrees below discovered water temperature up to 22 too. A huge difference from the 4 degrees in Newfoundland. Washing hands in warm water much more pleasant, these little things matter and the boat should begin to dry out.
More of the same big seas and strong winds. Waves breaking over the boat catch us out every now and again so we too are rather damp. Most of the day spent under the spray hood.
Enjoyed watching a pod of short finned pilot whales, feeding round about us, loving the big ,warm waves.F did a fine job of providing fuel to keep us going but neither had any appetite.
For once the forecast was reasonably accurate. The winds started to moderate early evening so back to normal watches. Wednesday morning both enjoyed a good breakfast. Things must be looking up. Wind high F 6 and sea lumpy but the boat is sailing well.
F is so thrilled with the way the wind pilot, (automatic wind steering,)has handled the conditions.
539 nautical miles covered so far. Now 24 degrees down below, glorious sunshine and Cory’s shearwater circling the boat.